This fall, York University will require all students to present a YU-card to verify their identity at exams.
The policy change – which took effect Sept. 1 – will enhance security during exam invigilation and help address exam impersonation incidents. The Office of the Vice-Provost Academic along with YU-card, Integration and Payment Services, have been spearheading efforts to proactively address and reduce fraudulent incidents.
“A fair and equitable exam environment is essential for all students,” says Marcia Annisette, vice-provost academic. “By adopting a single, secure form of ID, York is reinforcing academic integrity and protecting the value of our degrees.”
In 2023, York launched the mobile YU-card. Integrated with Passport York authentication, the mobile card is the most secure credential available across the post-secondary sector as it cannot be replicated. Physical YU-cards are still offered to accommodate students but require more effort and manual processes to administer and detect forgery.
Neil Buckley, associate dean of teaching and learning with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, reports a reduction in impersonation cases resulting from the enhanced security of the mobile YU-card.
“The enhanced security of the mobile YU-card gives both faculty and students greater confidence in the integrity of our assessments,” says Buckley.
Previously accepted forms of ID – including government-issued photo IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports – will no longer be accepted at exams.
Standardized ID verification using a single, secure credential is already in practice for exams at several universities, including Queen’s University and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Students are encouraged to apply for a YU-card before the fall semester exam season.
A YU-card is also required to access resources and services from York University Libraries and can be used to access bookable spaces, make easy payments on campus and take advantage of rewards and benefits.
For information about YU-card verification or the application process, contact Darrick Chin, director, YU-card, integration and payment services at darrickc@yorku.ca.
For information about deterring or addressing academic misconduct in exam settings, contact Angela Clark, associate director, program development and academic integrity, at angclark@yorku.ca.